Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif commended Shreyas Iyer for his vital 79 runs against New Zealand in their final Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai on Sunday. Kaif expressed that it is time to acknowledge Iyer as a significant talent on the international cricket scene. He recalled Iyer’s century against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup semi-final, a high-scoring game where India triumphed by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium. ‘It’s Shreyas Iyer once again in an ICC event against NZ. His phenomenal form continues, it’s high time the world starts acknowledging his strengths and stops focusing on his weaknesses,’ Kaif posted on X.
Iyer, who also scored 56 against Pakistan in the previous match, maintained his excellent form in the tournament with another half-century. His innings helped guide India to a respectable total of 249/9 in 50 overs after the early loss of Shubman Gill, captain Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli within the first seven overs.
Iyer and Axar Patel formed a crucial 98-run partnership to recover the team from a precarious situation. Axar was dismissed after scoring 42, while Iyer’s 79 off 98 balls included two sixes and four fours.
Ultimately, Hardik Pandya’s important contribution of 45 runs propelled them to a competitive total in the match.
For New Zealand, Matt Henry took a remarkable five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5-42 in his eight overs.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan praised the batting performances of Iyer, Axar, and Pandya for leading the team to a good total in the match.
‘Tough start for Team India, but the way @ShreyasIyer15 & @akshar2026 pulled the game back with their partnership, supported by @hardikpandya7 to reach 249 was phenomenal. It’s a chaseable but modest score, so hopefully, the bowlers step up and we pull it off. All the best for the second innings boys!’ Dhawan shared on X.
Both New Zealand and India have already secured their places in the semi-finals after victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan. The winner of this match will claim the top position in Group A.
